.READERS may have been interested in the experiences of our son, Adam Knight, and our French "daughter" Lucile Genin (A Head Start when it comes to Languages, Monday December 1), and may wish to know more about arranging a six month exchange in France for their own children.

Although Edgworth school has been very supportive of the exchanges that have taken place, they have not been involved in organising them, and should not be approached for more details.

The exchanges are organised by a non profit organisation called ALLEF (Association for Learning Langauges En Famille), www.allef.org or on 01377 217452.

Adam's exchange partner, Eric Larquemain, spent six months living with us from September 2002 to February 2003. Adam then spent six months living with him and his family near Lyon.

The exchange was so successful that our daughter Chloe (aged 9) also wanted to take part in one. Her exchange partner, Lucile, is currently living with us, and Chloe will go with her to France (coincidentally also near Lyon) in February until August.

Exchanges benefit the children involved not only by teaching them to be fluent in a foreign language, but by exposing them to a foreign culture, helping them to appreciate other ways of life, and by giving them confidence and maturity.

ALLEF takes great care in matching children and their families to ensure the maximum compatibility for a successful exchange. Our experience is that this can lead to lasting friendships between the families.

Adam will be returning to visit Eric in February, and Eric will spend time with us this summer, and meet up with his old friends from Edgworth school again.

Adam would like to make it clear that despite the impression created in your article, his maths has not suffered by his stay in France, and he is not having remedial lessons. He is having lessons in French, to prepare him for the GCSE.

DAVID KNIGHT, Thomason Fold, Edgworth.